Backpack with insulated beverage pocket

ABSTRACT

A backpack with an insulated beverage pocket includes a backpack body having an interior compartment and a pair of shoulder straps connected at each end thereof to the backpack body. An insulated pocket extends into the interior compartment.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to backpacks, and, in particular, to backpacks having an insulated beverage pocket.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Backpacks for carrying items such as books, clothing, and other personal items are well known. Backpacks typically comprise a large central compartment into which the items are placed. Additional compartments may also be provided to separate items within the backpack, and external pockets may be provided to provide additional storage. The backpack is typically outfitted with a pair of shoulder straps, and may also have a hip strap, each of which are attached to the backpack and are used by the wearer to carry the backpack.

It is often desirable for user's of a backpack to carry beverages within the backpack, especially when the user is engaged in strenuous activities, such as hiking, climbing, skateboarding, etc. Having water or another beverage available helps the user avoid dehydration, and having the beverage in the backpack provides a convenience for the user.

European Patent No. 0 541 032 to Kullmann discloses a backpack having a receptacle compartment in a lower portion of the backpack. The receptacle compartment is accessed from a side of the backpack. The receptacle compartment is strengthened by a stiffening unit, such as a plastic tube, or a braided metal or plastic cylinder. The stiffening unit is intended to prevent other objects that are located in the backpack from compressing the receptacle compartment. Kullman is limiting in that whether or not the receptacle compartment is housing a beverage, the compartment still occupies the same amount of space in the backpack, which is highly inefficient. Additionally, the receptacle compartment provides no insulative properties for the beverage held in the compartment.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,116,045 to Hodosh et al. discloses an insulated container having a receptacle positioned in a top or side of the container. A partially opened container may be housed in the receptacle and kept warm or cold by being exposed to a thermal energy storage medium, such as ice or a heated member housed within the container.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a backpack that reduces or overcomes some or all of the difficulties inherent in prior known devices. Particular objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art, that is, those who are knowledgeable or experienced in this field of technology, in view of the following disclosure of the invention and detailed description of certain preferred embodiments.

SUMMARY

The principles of the invention may be used to advantage to provide a backpack with an insulated beverage pocket.

In accordance with a first aspect, a backpack with an insulated beverage pocket includes a backpack body having an interior compartment and a pair of shoulder straps connected at each end thereof to the backpack body. An insulated pocket extends into the interior compartment.

In accordance with another aspect, a backpack with an insulated beverage pocket includes a backpack body having an interior compartment and a pair of shoulder straps connected at each end thereof to the backpack body. A hip strap is connected at opposite ends thereof to the backpack body. An insulated pocket extends from a lateral side of the backpack body and downwardly at an angle into the interior compartment. A cover is releasably secured to the backpack body about the insulated pocket.

In accordance with a further aspect, a backpack with an insulated beverage pocket includes a backpack body having an interior compartment and a pair of shoulder straps connected at each end thereof to the backpack body. A hip strap is connected at opposite ends thereof to the backpack body. An insulated pocket extends from a lateral side of the backpack body and downwardly at an angle into the interior compartment. A retaining member has a first end secured to the insulated pocket and a second end secured to the lateral side. A cover for the insulated pocket has a lower edge secured to the backpack body, and is secured about an opening of the pocket by zipper.

Substantial advantage is achieved by providing a backpack with an insulated beverage pocket. In particular, a backpack with an insulated beverage pocket helps a user to maintain a beverage at a desired temperature, while allowing other items to be carried in the interior compartment. In certain embodiments, the insulated pocket prevents condensation from affecting other items carried in the backpack.

These and additional features and advantages of the invention disclosed here will be further understood from the following detailed disclosure of certain preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a backpack with an insulated beverage pocket in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a section view, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, showing a bottle positioned in the insulated beverage pocket.

FIG. 3 is a top view of the backpack of FIG. 1, shown with its top open and a bottle positioned in the insulated beverage pocket.

FIG. 4 is a section view of the backpack of FIG. 1, shown with the insulated beverage pocket empty and in a collapsed condition.

FIG. 5 is section view of a portion of a sidewall of the insulated beverage pocket of the backpack of FIG. 1.

The figures referred to above are not drawn necessarily to scale and should be understood to provide a representation of the invention, illustrative of the principles involved. Some features of the backpack with an insulated beverage pocket depicted in the drawings have been enlarged or distorted relative to others to facilitate explanation and understanding. The same reference numbers are used in the drawings for similar or identical components and features shown in various alternative embodiments. Backpacks with an insulated beverage pocket as disclosed herein, would have configurations and components determined, in part, by the intended application and environment in which they are used.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention may be embodied in various forms. A preferred embodiment of a backpack 10 is shown in FIGS. 1-3. Backpack 10 is formed of a plurality of panels, including a top 12, a bottom 14, two lateral sides 16, an outer side 18, and a body side 20. When used herein, the term “outer side” refers to the side of the backpack, or any other element, that faces away from the back of the user wearing the backpack. Accordingly, the term “body side” refers to the side of the backpack, or any other element, that faces the back of a user.

Unless otherwise stated, or otherwise clear from the context below, directional terms used herein, such as inwardly, outwardly, downwardly, upwardly, etc., refer to directions relative to backpack 10 itself. Backpack 10 is shown in FIG. 1 to be disposed substantially upright, as it would be positioned on the back of a wearer. However, it is to be appreciated that backpack 10 need not be limited to such an orientation, since backpack 10 could at times be in other positions, for example, lying down with body side 20 on a surface such as the ground. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 1, downwardly is toward bottom 14 and upwardly is toward top 12. Inwardly is a direction from an exterior of backpack 10 toward interior compartment 22. Naturally, outwardly is a direction from interior compartment 22 toward an exterior of backpack 10.

When connected, the six panels or sides define an interior compartment in backpack 10 into which items such as books, food, clothing, etc. may be placed. The interior compartment of backpack 10 may be subdivided into smaller compartments, and additional external pockets may be added in order to keep various items separate from one another, thereby providing easy access to frequently used items, and allowing for the proper weight distribution and comfort to the wearer.

Although six particular sides or panels are described, backpack 10 can comprise fewer or more panels or sides, and be within the scope of the invention. For instance, each of the body, top, bottom, outer, and lateral sides can be comprised of one continuous piece of fabric with no actual seams or junctures. Alternatively, backpack 10 could even be formed with ten or more panels or sides and corresponding seams or junctures therebetween.

The panels making up backpack 10, as well as the straps and other components of the invention, can variously comprise a number of natural or synthetic materials. Natural fabric such as leather, cotton (especially canvas or single-filled duck) and the like may be useful for certain applications. Exemplary materials are synthetic fabrics made from thermoplastic materials such as polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyamide (such as nylon), polyethylene, polyester, etc. In certain preferred embodiments, nylon is used, which can be textured for breathability, wear-resistance, and waterproofed with materials such as silicone elastomers and the like. Particularly useful is a type of nylon known as Cordura (provided by E.I. du Pont de Nemours & Co., Wilmington, Del.). Multiple or composite layer configurations as are well-known in the art, in which a tougher, more durable weave comprises an outer layer while a lighter, thinner, and more flexible inner weave comprises an inner layer. Some of these materials known in the industry, such as Gore-Tex (provided by W.L. Gore & Associates, Newark, Del.), Tri-Shield (provided by Tri-Seal International, Blauvelt, N.Y.), Spandura (provided by H. Warsaw & Sons, New York, N.Y.), etc. can be used as appropriate.

Each of a pair of shoulder straps 26 is secured at first and second ends thereof to backpack 10. Shoulder straps 26 may have an adjustable buckle (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, a hip strap 28 is secured at opposite ends thereof to backpack 10. Hip strap 28 typically comprises left and right side portions (only the right side portion is visible here), connected to one another by an adjustable buckle (not shown).

An insulated pocket 30 extends inwardly into interior compartment 22. In the illustrated embodiment, pocket 30 is formed in a lateral side 16 of backpack 10. It is to be appreciated that pocket 30 may be positioned in other locations in backpack 10 including, for example, the other lateral side 16 or outer side 18. Insulated pocket 30 includes a wall 32 and a bottom 34. In a preferred embodiment, pocket 30 has a cylindrical profile, which could be circular or oval, allowing a beverage container, such as a bottle 36 to be easily received in pocket 30. In other preferred embodiments, pocket 30 could have other shapes, such as rectangular, and other such shapes are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

With respect to pocket 30, the term inwardly refers to a direction from an exterior of pocket 30 toward the interior of pocket 30. Outwardly is a direction from the interior of pocket 30 toward an exterior of pocket 30. Accordingly, inner, when used with respect to pocket 30, refers to the interior, or interior side or surface, of pocket 30, and outer refers to the exterior, or exterior side or surface, of pocket 30.

In a preferred embodiment, pocket 30 angles downwardly into interior compartment 22, and is secured to interior compartment 22 by a retaining member, such as elongate lengths of webbing 38, 40. Angling pocket 30 downwardly helps ensure that any fluid that might spill from bottle 36, or condensation from the exterior of bottle 36, will be retained in pocket 30. As illustrated in FIGS. 2-3, lengths of webbing 38, 40 extend upwardly and inwardly at an angle from opposed edges of lateral side 16 to pocket 30. Consequently, lengths of webbing 38, 40 act to keep pocket 30 from moving upwardly, but allow pocket 30 to move downwardly, as seen in FIG. 4, where pocket 30 is seen in an empty and collapsed, or compressed condition. Allowing pocket 30 to compress is advantageous since more space is available in interior compartment 22 when pocket 30 is not holding a beverage and is in its collapsed or compressed condition.

A cover 42 is secured about the opening of pocket 30. Cover 42 is preferably releasably closed about pocket 30 by a fastener, such as zipper 44. It is to be appreciated that zipper 44 may be a waterproof zipper. In preferred embodiments, cover 42 is secured to backpack 10 along its lower edge by stitching such that it opens from the top (as seen in FIG. 2) in hinged fashion, helping to ensure that moisture from spills or condensation is retained in pocket 30. Additionally, hinging cover 42 about its lower edge facilitates inserting bottle 36 into and removing bottle 36 from pocket 30.

Pocket 30 is insulated so as to keep bottle 36 cool or warm for the user. Wall 32, bottom 34 and cover 42 are all preferably insulated. A preferred embodiment of the construction of pocket 30 is illustrated in FIG. 5, in which the composition of wall 32 is shown.

Pocket 30 is formed of a first outer layer 46 that forms the exterior surface of pocket 30 and is exposed to interior compartment 22. Outer layer 46 may be formed of the same material as the remainder of the interior compartment 22. Suitable materials for outer layer 46 include polyester, nylon, and canvas. Other suitable materials for outer layer 46 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.

A second inner layer 48 forms the interior surface of pocket 30 and, therefore, is exposed to the interior of pocket 30. In a preferred embodiment, inner layer 48 is formed of a waterproof material so as to contain moisture within pocket 30. Thus, if liquid were to spill from a beverage container held in pocket 36, the liquid would be contained within pocket 30. Similarly, any condensation from the exterior surface of a beverage container in pocket 30 would also be contained within pocket 30. Inner layer 48 may be formed of, for example, polyvinylchloride (PVC), polyester, or other thin-sheet plastics. Other suitable materials for outer layer 46 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.

A third insulating layer 50 is sandwiched between outer layer 46 and inner layer 48. Insulating layer 50 provides the insulative properties that help maintain the beverage at a desired temperature. In preferred embodiments, insulating layer 50 is formed of a foam, such as enhanced polyethylene (EPE). Insulating layer 50 may also be formed of, for example, polyester, or other foamed insulating materials. Other suitable materials for insulating layer 50 will become readily apparent to those skilled in the art, given the benefit of this disclosure.

As described here, insulated pocket 30 is formed of three layers. However, it is to be appreciated that pocket 30 may be formed fewer or greater than three layers, and embodiments with fewer or greater than three layers are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

In light of the foregoing disclosure of the invention and description of the preferred embodiments, those skilled in this area of technology will readily understand that various modifications and adaptations can be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. All such modifications and adaptations are intended to be covered by the following claims. 

1. A backpack with an insulated beverage pocket comprising, in combination: a backpack body having an interior compartment; a pair of shoulder straps connected at each end thereof to the backpack body; and an insulated pocket extending into the interior compartment.
 2. The backpack of claim 1, wherein the insulated pocket comprises a first outer layer exposed to the interior compartment, a second inner layer exposed to an interior of the pocket, and a third layer sandwiched between the first and second layers.
 3. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the first layer is formed of polyester.
 4. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the second layer is formed of PVC.
 5. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the third layer is formed of an insulating material.
 6. The backpack of claim 2, wherein the third layer is formed of EPE.
 7. The backpack of claim 2, further comprising a retaining member connecting the insulated pocket to the backpack body.
 8. The backpack of claim 7, wherein the retaining member comprises an elongate length of webbing having a first end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed second end connected to the backpack body.
 9. The backpack of claim 7, wherein the retaining member comprises a pair of elongate lengths of webbing, each length of webbing having a first end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed second end connected to the backpack body.
 10. The backpack of claim 7, wherein the insulated pocket extends downwardly at an acute angle from a lateral side of the backpack body.
 11. The backpack of claim 10, wherein the retaining member retains the insulated pocket at the acute angle with respect to a side of the backpack body.
 12. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a cover releasably about an opening of the insulated pocket.
 13. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the cover is secured to the pocket with a zipper.
 14. The backpack of claim 12, wherein the cover is secured along a bottom edge thereof to the backpack body.
 15. The backpack of claim 1, further comprising a hip strap connected at opposite ends thereof to the backpack body.
 16. A backpack with an insulated beverage pocket comprising, in combination: a backpack body having an interior compartment; a pair of shoulder straps connected at each end thereof to the backpack body; a hip strap connected at opposite ends thereof to the backpack body; an insulated pocket extending from a lateral side of the backpack body and downwardly at an angle into the interior compartment; and a cover releasably secured to the backpack body about the insulated pocket.
 17. The backpack of claim 16, further comprising a retaining member connecting the insulated pocket to the backpack body.
 18. The backpack of claim 17, wherein the retaining member comprises a length of webbing having a first end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed second end connected to the backpack body.
 19. The backpack of claim 17, wherein the retaining member comprises a pair of lengths of webbing, each length of webbing having a first end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed second end connected to the backpack body.
 20. A backpack with an insulated beverage pocket comprising, in combination: a backpack body having an interior compartment; a pair of shoulder straps connected at each end thereof to the backpack body; a hip strap connected at opposite ends thereof to the backpack body; an insulated pocket extending from a lateral side of the backpack body and downwardly at an angle into the interior compartment; a retaining member having a first end secured to the insulated pocket and a second end secured to the lateral side; and a cover for the insulated pocket having a lower edge secured to the backpack body and secured about an opening of the pocket by zipper.
 21. The backpack of claim 20, wherein the retaining member comprises a length of webbing having a first end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed second end connected to the backpack body.
 22. The backpack of claim 20, wherein the retaining member comprises a pair of lengths of webbing, each length of webbing having a first end connected to the insulated pocket and an opposed second end connected to the backpack body. 